This article is from page 12 of the 2006-07-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
A NORTH Clare couple have not given up on the prospect of developing a heritage park in Doolin that would celebrate Clare and Ireland’s legends, despite been refused planning permission for the project.
Joe and Mairead Dalton were refused permission to develop the visitor centre at Carnaun, Doolin where they were seeking to transform seven acres of land into a park celebrating Clare’s mythical legends.
Clare County Council refused on three grounds; that the recreational facilities would be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area; the proposed development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and the proposals would be prejudicial to public health.
In their appeal, the Dalton’s state that “the proposal is relatively small scale in developmental density and in an operational sense. Most of the site, which is unused and overgrown at present, would be soft landscaped with planting and earthworks to achieve a wild natural setting for ancient stories.
“The modest reception building is based on rural style buildings and the thatched hut on a much older tradition of Irish rustic build. The vulnerable landscape at the south of the field is not being developed.
“The proposed site location is ideal for achieving the wild rural setting required for this specific theme and at the same time is adjacent to a tourist settlement and tourist route.
“The proposed centre on the site adjacent to Coogyulla Cross holiday facilities and tourist based commerce integrates with it, is located adjacent to a settlement and main tourist route and does not significantly impact the landscape/environment.
“The proposal also meets the objective of the North Clare Area Plan ‘to facilitate the growth of an innovative and integrated tourism product which respects and compliments the unique environment, traditions and diverse resources of north Clare’.
The Daltons state that no locals objected to the proposal. ‘any feedback we’ve had is that the area badly needs facilities of this kind instead of just holiday accommodation’.
“The proposal because of the inherent wild rural nature needs a large site and a rural atmosphere so an urban setting is inappropriate especially where vegetative growth is inhibited by harsh coastal growing conditions, as is the case for much of the area.
The Daltons anticipated that by the third year of operation, 32,000 tourists would visit their planned attraction per annum.
A decision is due on the appeal later this year.